Balfour Beatty will be using Flexicon’s flexible conduit to protect all of the cabling for lighting, power, signalling and communications for the major redevelopment of Blackfriars station, part of the LU London Underground rail system.

The rail project includes the creation of a common entrance at the north end of the rail bridge spanning the River Thames, increasing the length of the platforms to accommodate 50 percent longer trains, the refurbishment of the underground station and the construction of a new station on the South Bank of the Thames.

The Tube station will be the first one to span the entire width of the River Thames. It will also feature over 4,400 of photovoltaic panels that will produce over 1MW of electricity.

All of the services have been left visible as part of the design, so Flexicon’s LFHUBRD flexible conduit has been specified since its grade 316 stainless steel overbraid provides both protection and aesthetic appeal. The system has high abrasion resistance and high mechanical strength, is highly flexible and has an ingress protection rating of up to IP65.

In addition, the flexible conduit meets all of Transport for London’s fire requirements, with details listed on LUL product registration certificate No 297. As a low fire hazard product it is highly flame retardant, has low smoke emissions, low toxicity and is halogen free.

It also provides EMC screening, which is vital for communications and signalling. Says Roy Wood, project engineer for Balfour Beatty: “Blackfriars station is a major investment to help increase rail capacity on this major cross London artery.

To cope with more trains and passengers, power and data is essential and the cabling needs protection to ensure safety and convenience. Aesthetics was also important with the architect for the scheme wanting to leave services exposed to view.”